Garmin GPS 10 Deluxe with City Select Mapping

[4/25/2005] Reviewed by: Dave Lynch - dmlynch@rogers.com

Applicable to:

This is a gps receiver that connects to a pocket computer wirelessly. It includes
detailed mapping for all of North America. Combined, the two will record your
track, or plan a route to a destination by address, or selection of recorded
points of interest.

I've used this product in Canada, where I live, and in Florida during a visit.
It works well. You transfer maps to an expansion card in your pocket computer.
Once you input your destination it will select a route for you. If you're directionally
challenged, as I am, that can be a great help! If you travel off route it will
select a new route for you.

Great for planning or recording Miata drives. Carry enough mapping for extended
trips (requires expansion cards) Another use for your pocket computer It's like
always having a map open that says "you are here"

Not an installed item

Garmin gps V

[7/10/2004] Reviewed by: Dave Lynch - dmlynch@rogers.com

This gps receiver is portable and may be taken from car to car (or walking!)
It requires mapping software from Garmin, unless you are truly skilled; some
do make their own maps.

I'm delighted with this receiver. However, my most recent software (mapping)
product has such large files that I can run out of map in my gpsr after an hour's
drive! Canadian mapping (City Select) with the gpsV is terrible; it covers about
4 cities. The rest of Canada is a great void. I don't have unlocks (copywrite
protection?) for US mapping, so I don't know how good it is. It takes about
45 minutes to erase the maps within the gpsr and load new maps from MetroGuide
Version 4. This map is so much better, but the limited memory in the gpsr will
make it obsolete. All in all a good gps receiver, but past its prime. Dave L
Mississauga

When you are buying a gps receiver with map capability make sure that you try
the maps out before you buy.

Not an installed item

[12/31/2002] Reviewed by: J Costello
- jcostel2@tampabay.rr.com

Garmin GPS V, Deluxer

Works great, easy to start up, easy
to load maps and very user friendly. Point to point directions, although without
the voice like the Street Pilot, the loud beep gives you plenty of warning for
your next move.

Really like the ease of use and small
compactness of the unit. Easy to install, can be placed on the dash using velcro
or just set it in the passenger seat and go.

Not an installed item

Garmin Streetpilot III

[11/27/2002] Reviewed by: Tony Durand
- plazmoo@hotmail.com

I got the chance to use this GPS
receiver on a month-long cross-country trip, so I spent some time with it. Pros:
Large color screen: The background switches from a light to dark background
automatically at dusk. The text on the display is large enough to read without
too much effort. Maps: Contains built-in database with the base map of major
US highways across the country. Detailed maps can be downloaded into the memory
card to provide street-level guidance. I used Mapsource Metroguide. Auto-Route
Function: This is what you're paying for! Destinations can be entered as a street
address, intersection, or city. Businesses are also stored in the searchable
database. Driving down the interstate and need gas? Punch in gas stations into
the GPS and it will list the distance, direction, and the ETA of the nearest
ones. Fun features: Full-featured trip computer that keeps track of current,
max, and average speed, trip and stop time, and countless other features to
keep you busy.

Cons: Routing speed: The GPS will
follow along just fine if you stay on course. Get off-course and it takes the
unit more than a minute at times to calculate the new route. Too often the new
route starts with a turn you should have taken 1/2 a mile ago. The cycle repeats
until you somehow stumble on the new route or you stop and let the GPS catch
up. Transferring map data through a serial cable: This is very slow. Use the
USB device. Datacard limits detailed map storage. Bean-bag mount sold separately:
The included mount is for permanent installation to the dash. $: More than twice
the cost of a GPS V which can calculate routes equally as slow. I ended up returning
the receiver, because of the routing speed. Maybe I'll take another look when
the next generation comes out... http://www.garmin.com/products/spIII/

Under 5 minutes to remove

Garmin gps V

This is an incredible navigation
tool with detailed mapping. It comes with a cd rom map that you activate for
one of a number of zones. The Canadian map (the one I'm familiar with) focuses
on the zone closest to the US. Perhaps it would be ideal for American users
who travel in Canada infrequently. I've found that the map could be more detailed
for Canadian mapping of Miata routes. It should show more secondary roads. It
compares well to the gpsIII and III+ that I had. Sensitivity is good; it locks
onto satellites well. In our Miata with top down, up or hardtop on, it works
very well. Navigation is easy. Pick a landmark, intersection, or address and
it will pick the fastest or shortest route for you. Need to find a restaurant,
gas station, or bank? It's in there! (If you're in a location with detailed
mapping, that is.) and it will plot a route for you.

I tried a Garmin legend. Small car
you know, and the legend is small too. The screen was too small, and hard to
read for my 55 year old eyes. Sensitivity was poor. It lost satellite coverage
when I was standing below a tree--with no leaves! Sensitivity cannot be corrected
by adding an antenna with gain as you can with the garmin V. If you wish to
have a navigation system that you take from car to car I recommend the Garmin
GPSV. Dave